Month: January 2026

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan with Harcourt brigade members Captain Andrew Wilson, Sue Bray, Jess Bell, John Bell, Nathaniel Polhe and Peter Church

The small town of Harcourt, a few kilometres north-east of Castlemaine, was severely impacted by the Ravenswood South fire on Friday 9 January.

Starting on Fogartys Gap Road, the fire travelled south and destroyed more than 50 homes and several businesses. The area was one of the worst hit in Victoria.

Harcourt Captain Andrew Wilson and his crews were at the forefront of the firefight and spent the days protecting the community.

“We went hard on the fires for four days. Everyone’s been pretty busy,” Andrew said.

Despite the number of losses, including some homes belonging to Harcourt brigade members, the brigade remains in good spirits.

“The crew’s doing well. They’re all supporting each other. All their training’s kicked in and they’re all in a good place. They are trying to take off a bit of time at the moment,” Andrew said.

“The support we’re getting from far and wide has been amazing.”

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan and CEO Greg Leach visited Harcourt this week, where the focus is on community recovery and back burning in some of the areas surrounding the town.

“I was able to spend some time talking to our crews and community members to hear their stories, and see the ongoing work needed to protect vital assets,” Jason said.

Watch a video on Facebook of Jason’s visit.

Submitted by	News and Media

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Thursday, 15 January 2026 9:44am

Original publication: Thursday, 15 January 2026 9:44am

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Wednesday, 14 January 2026 5:57pm

Original publication: Wednesday, 14 January 2026 5:57pm

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Wednesday, 14 January 2026 11:47am

Original publication: Wednesday, 14 January 2026 11:47am

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Tuesday, 13 January 2026 10:23am

Original publication: Tuesday, 13 January 2026 10:23am

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Mpox cases continue to be detected in Victoria, other Australian states and territories and overseas.

To help protect the community, free mpox vaccination is available for a limited time at participating pharmacies across Victoria – without consultation-related fees.

Eligible Victorians are being encouraged to contact their local pharmacy to check if they are participating and have vaccine in stock.

Free mpox vaccination will also be available at some Midsumma events, including Midsumma Carnival and Victoria’s Pride Street Party, delivered by community partners. Bookings are available and walk-ins are welcome

Free mpox vaccination is also available at local GPs, sexual health clinics and local councils. Contact your healthcare provider to check they have vaccine in stock before making an appointment.

In Victoria, mpox vaccination is free and recommended for people at increased risk, including sexually active gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men, sexually active transgender and gender diverse people, sex workers and sexual partners of people in these groups. No Medicare card is needed to be eligible for the free mpox vaccination.

Two doses of the mpox vaccine given at least 28 days apart are required for optimal protection, and people who have had one dose are encouraged to get their second dose.

Chief Health Officer Dr Caroline McElnay says that vaccination is one of the most safe and effective ways to reduce the risk of infection and severe illness.

“Mpox continues to be found in Australia and overseas. Vaccination is an important step people can take to protect themselves and others,” Dr McElnay said.

“With free vaccination becoming more accessible, now is a good opportunity for eligible people to check their vaccination status and complete their doses.”

“Calling ahead helps ensure services can manage demand and provide safe, timely access to vaccination.”

Anyone who develops symptoms of mpox such as rashes or skin lesions, fever, swollen glands, headache, muscle aches or pains, rectal pain or pain on passing urine should seek testing early through their local GP or sexual health clinic.

They should also avoid close physical contact with others until advised by their healthcare provider.

For information about mpox vaccination, eligibility and how to find a provider, see the Better Health Channel mpox immunisation providers page.

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The Williamson Street footpath renewal is part of the City Centre Tree Interactions project. We’re committed to repairing our road infrastructure due to the damage of existing tree roots.

Scope of works

The works will occur on the north-east side of Williamson Street, Bendigo, between Myers and Mollison Streets.

It will include new tree pits, concrete kerb, and standard city centre asphalt and bluestone paved footpath. There will be a total number of six carspaces constructed (with a loss of 3 existing carspaces).

Tree removal and new planting

Three existing trees, Plantanus x acerifolia (London plane tree) will be removed and replaced with four Zelkova serrata (Japanese elm) with improved conditions for tree growth.

Funding

The City Centre Tree Interactions project is funded by the City of Greater Bendigo.

Timeline

The works are anticipated to commence mid-January 2026 and be completed by June 2026.

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

This warning replaces previous warning – Advice issued on 15 Jan 2026 13:56

Issued on
15 Jan 2026 14:22

Warning area
Buckleboo RoadKimba Township, Kimba Golf Club, Eyre Highway, Cowell-Kimba Road, Fancis Road, Venning Road, and Venus Bay Road in the Eastern Eyre Peninsula South Australia.

Warning level
Advice – Avoid Smoke

Action
Smoke from Kimba is in the Kimba Township area.

Smoke can affect your health. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.

Symptoms of exposure includes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, burning eyes, running nose, chest tightness, chest pain and dizziness or light-headedness.

If you or anyone in your care are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from your local GP. If your symptoms become severe, call 000.

More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

Issued on
15 Jan 2026 13:56

Warning area
Kimba Township, Eyre Highway, Cowell-Kimba Road, Fancis Road, Buckleboo Road, Venning Road in the Eastern Eyre Peninsula South Australia.

Warning level
Advice – Avoid Smoke

Action
Smoke from Kimba is in the Kimba Township area.

Smoke can affect your health. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.

Symptoms of exposure includes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, burning eyes, running nose, chest tightness, chest pain and dizziness or light-headedness.

If you or anyone in your care are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from your local GP. If your symptoms become severe, call 000.

More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested an 18-year-old male in relation to property offences in Alice Springs.

Around 4:50pm, Strike Force Viper and general duties officers attended an address on Kilgariff Crescent to conduct a planned arrest of a male allegedly involved in recent property offending.

Upon police approach, the alleged offender climbed into the roof cavity of the unit and refused to exit. During attempts to locate him, officers observed the male was in possession of an edged weapon.

A short time later, the offender kicked a hole through the ceiling and wall, causing him to fall onto the floor of the lower level. He then attempted to flee; however, a taser was successfully deployed, and he was arrested without further incident.

He has since been charged with Aggravated Robbery, Assault with intent to steal, Drive use motor vehicle without consent and Breach of Supreme Court suspended sentence and will face court 15 January 2026.